NHS dental appointments ‘unavailable’
If you’re a new resident who has moved to the Buckinghamshire area and is in search of a new NHS dentist, you’re likely going to find it difficult to find a dentist to accept you as a new patient, let alone offer your NHS dental appointment, as was warned by councillor Anja Schaefer.
“Quite a lot of people are moving in; there is quite a lot of development. People who are moving in tell us they cannot make NHS dental appointments.”
The Liberal Democrat voiced her concerns as new national data from the Office for National Statistics was released, revealing that 97% of new patients trying to access NHS dental care were unsuccessful.
Schaefer, who also represents the Buckingham East ward, highlighted her concerns during a meeting of the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, asking the health chief officials present when and how the situation would improve for her constituents.
Louise Smith, deputy director of primary care at the NHS Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, responded that creating additional capacity outside of the national contract was on the cards. For example, Smith suggested a ‘flexible commissioning scheme’ to help patients with certain needs in ‘deprived’ areas gain better access to dentists.
Smith added: “We have also been doing some work around urgent dental appointments and seeing what additional provision we can get for that. There is some workaround increasing the dental workforce as well.”
The situation in Buckinghamshire
But let’s be honest here: the situation has been like this for years and is worsening, with some patients being forced into avoiding care altogether, worsening their oral state, and even forcing some into going private to get their issues dealt with.
In the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West area, there’s an average of 63 NHS dentists per 100,000 people, a staggering figure – and national averages are even worse, with 43 NHS dentists per 100,000.
The costs of going private
Private dentistry will cost more than NHS dentistry, but it will guarantee you a fast appointment and more time for the dentist to carry out preventative work instead of just patching you up. Often included in your fees are scans, x-rays and any prescriptions. We even offer dental finance, which is interest-free over 12 months for patients hoping to spread the cost of their treatment.
Here’s an overview of our general fees:
We’re based in High Wycombe.
Check-ups:
Other treatments:
How to go private
Our address: Heath End Rd, High Wycombe HP10 9DT
Just because you go private or register with a private dentist does not mean you can never switch back to NHS dental care. You won’t lose your place as waiting lists are incredibly long. Patients can opt to go private when they please; for example, if you need a check-up or a hygiene appointment, you can book one. Patients can even choose us for extractions, root canals, tooth replacement, and cosmetic dentistry.
All you need to do to book an appointment is just get in touch with us, which you can do by filling out the form here or giving us a call at 01628 810024.
The story was originally published in the Bucks Free Press on the 26th of November, 2024.
